Councillor brands plans for shed home ‘criminal’

PROPOSALS to convert an “industrial shed” into a home have been thrown out after it was described by a councillor as “criminal”.

Developers DC Land LLP, of Caverswall, wanted to reconstruct the workshop in Edward Street, Stone, to provide a two-bedroom bungalow.

Residents fought the plans saying there was already a parking problem for residents and access problems for emergency services.

At a meeting of Stafford Borough Council’s planning committee, members heard the plans breached the authority’s spatial guidelines.

Speaking for residents, Carly Spicer told the committee: “Emergency services regularly mention difficulties they face in this area. More people and more cars will add to this. Why agree a planning application which is to the detriment of residents and emergency services?” A statement by Stone councillor Philip Leason, which was read out by Councillor Barry Stamp, said: “Stone Town Council said there should be provision for off-road parking for this development.

“It’s over-intensive for the site and is nothing better than cramming.” Proposing refusal, Councillor Geoff Collier said: “It (the building) ought to be demolished. Some buildings are not fit for to be converted. This is a commercial building.” But Councillor Alan Perkins proposed allowing the plan, saying: “It’s derelict, it’s going to have its asbestos roof removed and it’s going to be tidied up and brought into residential use.

“I don’t see any reason it shouldn’t be allowed.” St Michael’s ward member Councillor Philip Jones said: “Parking is a problem but we may be making the parking problem worse if we don’t give this further, better and fuller consideration.” Councillor Andrew Harp said: “This is a back garden development. It’s an industrial shed. To stick these in a back garden is criminal.” Members voted by nine to two to refuse the application.